Translation guide
The English phrase "one's heart" is used in many idiomatic and metaphorical expressions. This guide helps learners express these concepts naturally in Japanese, focusing on common patterns rather than literal translations.
Referring to the heart as the seat of emotions, often in phrases like "in one's heart" or "from the heart".
The most direct and common word for 'heart' as the center of emotions and mind. Used in many set phrases.
I'm grateful from the bottom of my heart.
Her heart was hurt.
Literally 'chest', but often used metaphorically for the heart as the place where emotions are felt, similar to 'in one's heart'.
Those words touched my heart.
Means 'feeling' or 'sentiment'. Often used when talking about what's in one's heart.
It's hard to express what's in my heart.
Expressing that something is done with genuine feeling, e.g., 'with all one's heart', 'heartfelt'.
Means 'from the heart', 'sincerely'. Very common.
I apologize from the heart.
Means 'with all one's heart', 'wholeheartedly'. Often used when putting effort and feeling into an action.
I cooked with all my heart.
A noun meaning 'sincerity', 'true heart'. More formal/literary.
Referring to one's innermost thoughts or true nature, as in 'in one's heart of hearts'.
Used in phrases like 'learn by heart' or 'keep in one's heart'.
When someone's feelings or decision changes.
Metaphorical use like 'the heart of the matter' or 'heart of the city'.
English idioms with 'heart' rarely translate directly. For example, 'break someone's heart' is not 心を壊す but 心を傷つける or 悲しませる. Always consider the intended meaning first.
心 (こころ) is the abstract heart/mind. 気持ち (きもち) is more about current feelings. 胸 (むね) is the physical chest but metaphorically the place where emotions are felt, often used in literary expressions.
真心を込めて贈り物を選んだ。
I chose the gift with all my heart.
Noun meaning 'change of heart', often used in romantic contexts.
I was surprised by her change of heart.
議論の核心に触れる。
Get to the heart of the discussion.